Sudan: UNESCO is deeply concerned and is preparing to support the population

As fighting escalates, UNESCO stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan. The Organization deplores the civilian casualties, as well as the terrible impact of hostilities on the entire population, including students, teachers, artists, scientists and journalists. The Organisation is particularly alarmed that women and children are being disproportionately affected by the conflict and forced displacement, with far-reaching consequences, including in neighbouring countries.

In line with statements by the United Nations Secretary-General, UNESCO reminds all parties of their duty to respect international humanitarian law, in particular by refraining from any attacks against civilians and civilian facilities, such as schools, universities, heritage and cultural sites.

Within the framework of its mandate, UNESCO is also monitoring developments on the ground, in order to respond to the needs of the Sudanese population.

In the field of education, UNESCO is mapping the forced displacement of students and teachers both internally and in neighbouring countries in order to implement context-relevant education response plans. The Organization has already mobilized initial emergency funding to help the Egyptian authorities support the provision of education to hundreds of Sudanese children, youth and adults who have entered the country.

The Organization reminds all parties that, as per Resolution 2601 adopted in 2021 by the UN Security Council, Member States must “prevent attacks and threats of attacks against schools and ensure the protection of schools and civilians connected with schools, including children and teachers during armed conflict as well as in post-conflict phases”. UNESCO also underlines the need to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration, endorsed by Sudan in December 2015.

In the field of culture, UNESCO has begun mapping the impact of the fighting on major cultural and heritage sites in Karthoum, and is particularly concerned about reports of damage to the Presidential Palace, a historic building which also includes the Republican Palace Museum.

The Organization reiterates the obligations of States Parties under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which Sudan has ratified, to refrain from damaging or destroying cultural property. It condemns attacks against and damage to cultural heritage in all its forms, attacks against cultural professionals and artistic freedom, and any looting of museums and cultural institutions. UNESCO also calls for the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2347 to be fully respected.

To support artists at risk, UNESCO is mobilizing initial funding of up to US$50,000 as part of a partnership with the NGO Action for Hope to provide cash support to artists who have had to flee their homes and need to cover living expenses for some months. This funding should also be used to help create small hubs for Sudanese artists to continue their work, and begin the most urgent inventories of art collections and archives.

In the field of information, UNESCO recalls that free and independent media are more vital than ever in times of crisis, ensuring civilians have access to potentially life-saving information, debunking disinformation and rumours, and informing the world about the reality of the situation on the ground. UNESCO underlines to all parties the obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2222 to protect media professionals and associated personnel, and the need to avoid undue interference with media operations.